Tulane doesn't have a lengthy injury list coming out of the Tulsa game, but a few key players have some issues.

The most notable is cornerback Taurean Nixon's injured groin. Nixon strained his groin during camp and was held out of several days of drills. He aggravated the injury in the Tulsa game, coach Curtis Johnson said. Nixon had a key interception in the first half that he returned 22 yards. But with guys like Parry Nickerson on the depth chart – Nickerson had an interceptions also against Tulsa – Johnson feels okay even if Nixon can't go.

"We have some guys, some young kids that can help us," Johnson said.

One guy that won't be able to help on kickoff is Ade Aruna. Aruna was the Green Wave's surprise kickoff man last week. Aruna, a defensive end, kicked off for Tulane against Tulsa four times for 222 yards (a 55.5 average). But Aruna didn't take any kickoffs at practice Monday because of injury.

"He got replaced because he had a groin (injury)," Johnson said. "It wasn't anything about his performance."

Peter Picerelli took first team snaps on kickoff in Monday's practice. Picerelli kicked off once against Tulsa, getting 60 yards on that try.

The only other new injury was to offensive tackle Arturo Uzdavinis' shoulder. Uzdavinis had shoulder surgery in the offseason. But Johnson said Uzdavinis' injury was mild.

"Right now I feel very comfortable with Arturo. Nixon, I don't know," Johnson said.